Physiology, Behaviour and Welfare of Dogs and Cats in Their Interactions with Humans.
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the course of Physiology, behavior, and welfare of dogs and cats in their relationship to humans is for students to develop knowledge and understanding regarding the ethology of dogs and cats and its application to the protection of their welfare.
Expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding: by the end of the course, students must demonstrate an understanding of the physiological foundations of dog and cat behavior, with particular emphasis on the underlying mechanisms, cognition, and communication. Additionally, they must show proficiency in observing and quantifying animal behavior.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: The student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts that are useful for ensuring or improving the welfare of dogs and cats in contexts where interaction with humans is expected.
3. Making judgments: The student must demonstrate the ability to critically discuss the acquired information. Specific activities are directed towards this goal (e.g., field practicals on interpreting behavior and proper animal management; group projects on cognition and training).
4. Communication: The student must demonstrate the ability to use appropriate terminology, enabling them to adequately express the knowledge acquired. This can be demonstrated through presentations to the class on group projects, which will be evaluated by the professor, as well as through active participation in class discussions, critically discussing the cases proposed by the professor.
5. Lifelong learning skills: The student must demonstrate the ability to independently expand their knowledge of topics related to the physiology, ethology, and welfare of dogs and cats. This will be achieved by applying what they have learned during the course to practicals, thereby developing their practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: The student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts that are useful for ensuring or improving the welfare of dogs and cats in contexts where interaction with humans is expected.
3. Making judgments: The student must demonstrate the ability to critically discuss the acquired information. Specific activities are directed towards this goal (e.g., field practicals on interpreting behavior and proper animal management; group projects on cognition and training).
4. Communication: The student must demonstrate the ability to use appropriate terminology, enabling them to adequately express the knowledge acquired. This can be demonstrated through presentations to the class on group projects, which will be evaluated by the professor, as well as through active participation in class discussions, critically discussing the cases proposed by the professor.
5. Lifelong learning skills: The student must demonstrate the ability to independently expand their knowledge of topics related to the physiology, ethology, and welfare of dogs and cats. This will be achieved by applying what they have learned during the course to practicals, thereby developing their practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Lectures (2 credits):
-Ethology - Introduction and practical applications in professional activities with dogs and cats (1 hour)
-Genetic and learned behaviors (7 hours)
-Intra- and interspecific communication (6 hours)
-Sexual behavior and maternal care (2 hours)
Practice (1 credit):
-Proper management of animals in veterinary facilities, boarding/breeding centers, and/or catteries/kennels (off-site and/or at the Veterinary Medicine facility) (6 hours)
-Observing dog and cat behavior (off-site fieldwork; on-site - in the animal physioethology lab and/or in the classroom with videos) (2 hours)
-Animal cognition and learning (off-site fieldwork; on-site - in the animal physioethology lab and in the classroom with videos) (6 hours)
-Test simulation (2)
-Ethology - Introduction and practical applications in professional activities with dogs and cats (1 hour)
-Genetic and learned behaviors (7 hours)
-Intra- and interspecific communication (6 hours)
-Sexual behavior and maternal care (2 hours)
Practice (1 credit):
-Proper management of animals in veterinary facilities, boarding/breeding centers, and/or catteries/kennels (off-site and/or at the Veterinary Medicine facility) (6 hours)
-Observing dog and cat behavior (off-site fieldwork; on-site - in the animal physioethology lab and/or in the classroom with videos) (2 hours)
-Animal cognition and learning (off-site fieldwork; on-site - in the animal physioethology lab and in the classroom with videos) (6 hours)
-Test simulation (2)
Prerequisites for admission
No particular prerequisites are required.
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures.
Practicals in the classroom and in the animal physioethology lab.
Practicals at breeding centers/kennel clubs/boarding facilities.
Practicals in the classroom and in the animal physioethology lab.
Practicals at breeding centers/kennel clubs/boarding facilities.
Teaching Resources
Slides and other material available on Moodle site
Book: Shaw, J.K., Martin, D. (Eds.), 2014. Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, 1st ed. Wiley.
Others:
a)J. Bradshaw, La Naturale Superiorità del Cane sull'Uomo. Rizzoli, 2011
b)J. Bradshaw, L'incredibile intelligenza del gatto, Newton Compton Editori s.r.l., 2015
c)A. Vitale. Che cos'è l'etologia. Collana: Bussole. Carocci Editore, 2025
d)F. Pirrone, Un'etologa in famiglia. Genitori, figli e parenti scomodi nel regno animale. Edizioni Unicopli, 2020.
Book: Shaw, J.K., Martin, D. (Eds.), 2014. Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, 1st ed. Wiley.
Others:
a)J. Bradshaw, La Naturale Superiorità del Cane sull'Uomo. Rizzoli, 2011
b)J. Bradshaw, L'incredibile intelligenza del gatto, Newton Compton Editori s.r.l., 2015
c)A. Vitale. Che cos'è l'etologia. Collana: Bussole. Carocci Editore, 2025
d)F. Pirrone, Un'etologa in famiglia. Genitori, figli e parenti scomodi nel regno animale. Edizioni Unicopli, 2020.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test comprising 15 multiple-choice questions covering the course content presented during lectures and the reference materials provided in the slides.
Assessment method: written test
Types of questions: 4 multiple-choice options per question, with only one correct answer
Duration of the test: 45 minutes.
Evaluation criteria: Each correct answer is worth 2 points, except for one question, which is worth 3 points. No points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions. The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. The maximum score is 31, which corresponds to a grade of 30 cum laude.
Communication of results: via the SIFA online system
There are no differences in exam format between attending and non-attending students.
Assessment method: written test
Types of questions: 4 multiple-choice options per question, with only one correct answer
Duration of the test: 45 minutes.
Evaluation criteria: Each correct answer is worth 2 points, except for one question, which is worth 3 points. No points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions. The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. The maximum score is 31, which corresponds to a grade of 30 cum laude.
Communication of results: via the SIFA online system
There are no differences in exam format between attending and non-attending students.
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Pirrone Federica
Professor(s)